On Monday, thirteen Yeshiva University High School for Boys (MTA) boys made the long journey to Eretz Yisrael to begin the annual student exchange program with Yeshivat Makor Chaim. After landing in the Holy Land very early Tuesday morning, we had an uplifting davening at Ben-Gurion airport. We then spent the day touring; we visited the tank museum and of course the Kotel amongst other places, and we were awed by the pure beauty of the Kotel during our time spent davening mincha there. When the bus finally pulled up to Makor Chaim, the weary boys were swept up in the spirited dancing led by their new Israeli friends who welcomed them so warmly.

Settling in quickly, we are deeply enjoying our time in Israel already, hoping to make the most of the six week experience presented to us in order to develop spiritually and emotionally. Slowly but surely, we are learning the Israeli style and plan to bring some of the ruach back to MTA to impact the school in a resounding fashion. Making friends with the students and rebbeim, we are having a sensational time, and eagerly look forward to our first Shabbos spent in Eretz Yisrael, which will be in the yeshiva. We are all hoping to grow in every way possible from this exciting opportunity.

By Jonathan Felman